Method, apparatus and system for a water jet

Abstract

A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 775,272, filed Mar. 8, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Field of the Invention[0003]The field of the present application pertains to medical devices. More particularly, the field of the invention pertains to an apparatus, system, and method for performing surgery.[0004]Description of the Background Art[0005]A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.[0006]The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil. It works much like a camera lens. It focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a water jet apparatus for eye surgery, including cataract extraction, that can be used manually or with robotic control. The apparatus has a cutting jet area that can be controlled based on a feedback loop from a flow rate meter or pressure gauge. The method of using the apparatus involves controlling the cutting jet area based on the flow rate meter. A feedback loop can also be used with the aspiration pump or throttle valve. The technical effect of this invention is that it provides a more efficient and streamlined method for eye surgery, including cataract extraction, that reduces the time and complexity of the procedure.

Problems solved by technology

But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens.

Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

First, clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.

When the protein clumps up, it clouds the lens and reduces the light that reaches the retina.

The clouding may become severe enough to cause blurred vision.

Second, the clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish / brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision.

As the clear lens slowly colors with age, it may gradually cause vision to have a brownish shade.

Over time, increased tinting may make it more difficult to read and perform other routine activities.

This propagation may lead to transmission of ultrasound energy along the probe to tissues in and around the eye that do not benefit from the transmission.

Finally, it may be quite difficult to steer an ultrasound probe around corners or bends, due to the mechanical requirements of propagating the ultrasound wave along the entire instrument.

They may generate unwanted heat in the eye and are often difficult to control, thus risking damage to important nearby tissues.

They also are easily damaged when attempting to navigate tight corners, as fibers in a laser probe may easily break.

Femtosecond laser systems are costly to own and operate and have the additional drawback of extending operative time.

Many people worldwide are afflicted by chronic or acute intermittent sinusitis, and it can often be a debilitating disease that affects one's ability to exercise, breathe, fly on airplanes, and the like.

FESS is very invasive, however, and requires a long and painful recovery process.

Balloon sinuplasty is less invasive but is not effective in all patients.

However, the tip requires a standoff or spacer to keep the distal end from directly contacting delicate tissue.

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